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mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing book. It had moments of humour but also a lot of sad moments.
I absolutely loved Moose, he was a wonderful friend, a great brother and more.
Poor Natalie, autism these days is something that can be helped, it can be lived with, as long as you learn how to handle your autism, how to live with it. Also enough help for the family members, how they can best handle her or help her. And there are enough institutions these days that people can be helped. Sadly in her time (1930s) it wasn't that easy. It was really heartbreaking to see her, her tantrums, how she fought, how she screamed, how she was so much like a child. A few times I cried a bit. So sad. Not only for her, but for her parents, for her brother, for everyone.
I loved the way the whole book took place on Alcatraz. I also loved the map that came with the book.
The only thing I didn't like, was Piper. Piper was like the only character in the whole book that I truly disliked. A person who I just wanted to erase from the book. She had a few good things, but mostly she was just mean, sliming her way through life. Acting mean towards those who are different. I really hope that in the next book she will change a bit.
I absolutely loved Moose, he was a wonderful friend, a great brother and more.
Poor Natalie, autism these days is something that can be helped, it can be lived with, as long as you learn how to handle your autism, how to live with it. Also enough help for the family members, how they can best handle her or help her. And there are enough institutions these days that people can be helped. Sadly in her time (1930s) it wasn't that easy. It was really heartbreaking to see her, her tantrums, how she fought, how she screamed, how she was so much like a child. A few times I cried a bit. So sad. Not only for her, but for her parents, for her brother, for everyone.
I loved the way the whole book took place on Alcatraz. I also loved the map that came with the book.
The only thing I didn't like, was Piper. Piper was like the only character in the whole book that I truly disliked. A person who I just wanted to erase from the book. She had a few good things, but mostly she was just mean, sliming her way through life. Acting mean towards those who are different. I really hope that in the next book she will change a bit.
kmcvey's review
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Funny book, covers a lot of important and serious topics but was overall a fun book. Would recommend ages 12 and up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
thoughton98's review against another edition
3.0
A heartwarming story about a family who live within Alcatraz Penitentiary (because the father works there) told from the point-of-view of the son, Moose. With strong themes of familial love and friendships as well as challenging struggles and tension. Unfortunately, whilst I love the concept of the novel, particularly the idea of Capone laundering the main character’s clothes, I did find the writing dialogue-heavy. If this had been written as a play or script, I feel it would have worked much better. However, the ending is particularly profound and the story itself is engaging, so I would still recommend.
sarah787's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
wardo2700's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for two main reasons. First, it is a funny, engaging book set in an unique place, Alcatraz prison. The story is written from the point of view of a 12 year old younger brother of an autistic sister. He tells it like it is living in that challenging world and that is what provides the humor. Secondly, the author has intimate knowledge of autism and it shows through out the book (she reveals in her notes at the end of the book she had an autistic sister). I liked the realistic portrayal of her many challenges and how it affected each member of her family. I highly recommend this book.
artslyz's review against another edition
4.0
The story of a family just moved to Alcatraz - told through the eyes of Moose, a young boy who isn't just sure about the move to Al Capone's home jail. The added storyline of his autistic sister, her parents fight to keep her out of an asylum and in a reputable school, and the troublemaking daughter of the warden all work together with great results.
paroof's review against another edition
4.0
A coming of age novel about Moose, a young boy who must deal not only with living on Alcatraz Island where his father is a prison guard, but also with Piper, the conniving daughter of Prison Warden, his autistic sister, and his mother's scheme to get her into a new school. An original and thoroughly enjoyable story! I would highly recommend this one!
mjlb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lesdel70's review
5.0
This book has sat on my shelf for years. A recent road trip prompted me to choose it as my car read. What an incredible story. Choldenko’s writing style is eloquent and engaging. Though I’m not sure what I expected, I didn’t expect what I got. What I got was a deeply moving heartfelt story about a boy, a sister, friends, and family. Love this book. You should read it. Soon.